Administration team

Kim Driver

Laboratory Manager

I joined Sheffield Teaching Hospitals in January 2022 as Laboratory Manager for both the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield and the Cancer Clinical Trials Centre (CCTC).  I have worked in laboratories since 2008 and have 10 years of clinical research experience. 

My role involves working closely with the operational and clinical teams across both units to ensure the highest laboratory standards are upheld through the use of robust, aligned procedures, audits, and a standardised training programme within each laboratory.

I find working in clinical research so rewarding and love the challenges and successes each day can bring. I have been made to feel so welcome since I started in post and am so happy to be part of what is an amazing team.

Marie Marshall

Quality Assurance (QA) Manager (Operations Team)

I qualified as a registered nurse in 2013 working on a surgical ward until I joined the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield nursing team in 2015. Since then, I have worked in a range of research teams, spanning many specialities.

I joined the Operations Team in December 2023 as a Quality Assurance (QA) Manager responsible for the maintenance and development of quality management systems. NIHR CRF: Sheffield has a long history of delivering high quality research ensuring standards set by national and international bodies. My role focuses on the whole research process involving patient safety, data quality, and research integrity; helping to ensure that we are always inspection ready through audits, monitoring, training, gap analyses, and planning.

Clinical research is an incredibly rewarding field to work in and collaborating closely with colleagues to improve patient care is a privilege. It is fast-moving and challenging, but our efforts are rewarded by seeing the real difference we make in someone’s life in the here and now as well as in the future. 

Zoe Whiteley

Project Coordinator (Operations Team)

I joined the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield as a Project Coordinator in early 2020, following over five years with the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Clinical Research and Innovation Office (CRIO), where I held a variety of roles supporting research governance.

As Project Coordinator, I lead on internal and external communications initiatives, ensuring the effective dissemination of key information across the CRF and to wider stakeholders. I act as the primary contact for the collection and tracking of publication outputs, playing a key role in evidencing the impact, reach and quality of the research supported by the CRF.

I work closely with the Operations Manager and the wider Operations Team to ensure that robust, efficient and compliant processes and procedures are in place to underpin clinical research activity. My responsibilities include supporting and developing initiatives related to data management and quality assurance (QA), helping to ensure that research is delivered to the highest standards.

In addition, I contribute to cross-cutting priorities such as patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), supporting the development of inclusive practices and meaningful engagement activities that enhance the relevance and accessibility of research.

I am particularly motivated by the varied nature of my role, which combines operational and collaborative elements. I value working within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment and take pride in contributing to the continuous improvement of processes that enable high-quality clinical research delivery.

Rachel Whelpton

Service Coordinator (Operations Team)

As Service Coordinator in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield, I work closely with the Head of Operations, Operations Manager, and Operations Coordinator to support the effective day-to-day running of the service.

Alongside managing key projects within the service area, I am responsible for maintaining our website and social media channels, ensuring that staff, participants, and the wider community are kept up to date with the latest information about the CRF and the research we deliver both locally and nationally.

I also oversee the study authorisation and amendments process, ensuring that staff are informed of, and supported with, the latest changes and updates to studies in a timely and accurate manner.

A significant part of my role involves supervising the administration team, including the PA to the Associate Nurse Director for Research & Development and the CRF Reception Team. I work closely with these teams to ensure robust systems and processes are in place to support staff, researchers, and patients effectively. One key initiative I lead on is the collection and review of patient and participant feedback, which I feed back into the wider team to help drive continuous improvement and ensure we provide the best possible experience.

I have worked within the CRF for over 17 years in a variety of roles. Throughout this time, I continue to be inspired by the achievements of our team and the pivotal role research plays in improving treatments and outcomes for patients. It is extremely rewarding to contribute, even in a small way, to such important and impactful work.

Linzi Procter

Operations Coordinator (Operations Team)

As Operations Coordinator I work closely with the Operations Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and Service Coordinator and the primary focus of my role is to support the processes and procedures underpinning the work of the clinical and operations teams.

I have worked in the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield for over 12 years in a variety of roles including PA to the Lead Nurse, and Service Coordinator.

As part of my role I maintain quality assurance and service improvement within the units to ensure that systems and processes are in place to support staff and researchers in conducting research which is of excellent quality and is compliant with robust safety standards, this includes archiving of studies, monitoring equipment within the units, SOP compliance & filing room maintenance. As well as taking on the day to day running of key projects, processes, and functions.

My time working in clinical research has shown me the importance of the work carried out within the CRF. It really is exciting and rewarding to support so many amazing clinical trials that can change peoples' lives.

Grace Edwards

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Officer (Operations Team)

I am the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Officer for both the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Sheffield. In this role I aim to engage more people in our upcoming research projects through community outreach and supporting existing patient advisory groups.

Previously I have worked at the Integrated Care Board (ICB) as a Programme Support Officer supporting the National QUIT Smoking Programme and the Social Prescribing Programme across South Yorkshire, working on both clinical and holistic care between the two programmes. Working with the voluntary sector across South Yorkshire on the Social Prescribing Programme highlighted the importance of bringing in patient experiences to inform strategy, and this led me to apply for the PPIE Officer role.

I look forward to connecting local people to local ongoing research, and the developments that will lead to.

Fahimeh Nafely

Data Manager (Operations Team)

As Data Manager, I am responsible for overseeing the quality, accuracy, and effective management of data within the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield. I line‑manage the Data Assistant and oversee key data processes, including system use, staff training, and routine data quality assurance.

I work closely with the Senior Management, operational , and patient‑facing teams to develop and deliver performance reporting that supports recruitment, service delivery, and operational decision‑making. I led the development of several key reporting solutions, including real‑time performance (BRAG) reporting, bed occupancy monitoring, and analysis of patient activity, which continue to support insight into CRF performance.

I oversee the preparation and submission of the annual NIHR Finance and Activity Report, ensuring that data accurately reflects CRF activity across the reporting period. A key part of my role involves supporting users of CRF systems to ensure data is entered accurately and consistently, enabling timely and reliable reporting.

I currently serve as Deputy Chair of the UKCRF Network Information Management and Technology Theme Group, supporting collaboration, shared learning, and the exchange of effective data management practice across the UKCRF Network.

I am currently completing a fully funded part-time PhD, which I started in 2024, looking at how AI and machine learning could help improve the way CRF data is managed and aligned across different systems used within the Trust. The research is focused on supporting better connectivity between platforms, improving reporting processes, and helping research teams make better use of healthcare data.

I value working closely with colleagues across the research organisation and providing practical, responsive data support that underpins the delivery of high‑quality clinical research.

Imogen Wilson

Data Assistant (Operations Team)

I joined the Operations Team in December 2021 as a Data Assistant, having previously worked within the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield for a year as a Data Coordinator.

I work closely with the Data Manager and other members of the Operations Team to ensure that data within our systems is accurate, high quality, and appropriately reflects CRF activity. A key aspect of my role involves routine data cleaning and validation, alongside providing support to staff in the use of our CRFManager® database. I am responsible for producing routine and ad‑hoc reports that support clinical teams and provide key information to the senior management team. 

I also compile the annual NIHR Finance and Activity Report, ensuring that submitted data accurately reflects CRF activity throughout the year. In addition, I provide CRFManager® training and ongoing support, respond to ad‑hoc data requests, assist the CRF and associated teams with data‑related queries, and contribute to data projects and process development to enhance data quality and operational efficiency.

It is inspiring to work within a team that is constantly striving to improve patient outcomes through high‑quality clinical research. The CRF plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of a wide range of research activity, and I am proud to contribute to and support this incredibly important work.

Kevin Gelder

PA to Associate Nurse Director Research & Development (Operations Team)

I joined the Clinical Research team in November 2025 as the PA to Gail Mills, Associate Nurse Director Research & Development, as well as Administrator to the CRF team. This followed over 10 years working within Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT across a range of administrative roles, including Administrative Assistant in Renal, Cancer Tracker in Dermatology, and MDT Coordinator in Haemato‑Oncology.

My role primarily involves managing the Associate Nurse Director’s calendar and providing support with a variety of documentation, including agendas and minutes for multiple meetings. I also support the Research Matrons with their workloads and diary management, as well as the CRF Team Leaders. In addition, I pull reports to support appraisal and training compliance and help coordinate governance meetings and associated documentation.

It is a pleasure to be gaining a deeper understanding of the important work carried out within clinical research and to be supporting the nursing teams in delivering their vital services.

Bethany Whitworth

Administrator (Operations Team)

After graduating from university with a degree in human biology, I knew I wanted to be part of the NHS and felt that clinical research was an area that I was very interested in and something I wanted to contribute towards.

I first began working as a Data Coordinator within the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield in September 2023, where I worked closely with research nurses on a range of clinical research studies. 

In October 2024, I joined the Operations Team as an Administrator, where I support on ad-hoc projects and contribute to quality assurance and service improvement initiatives related to various projects. My main duties include organising meetings, conducting audits, managing archiving of study documentation and processing study amendments and authorisations. During my role as a Data Coordinator, I gained a great deal of knowledge from working in a clinical research environment, and it is satisfying to be able to apply these skills in my new role.

I enjoy working within the CRF as everyone is so kind and all the staff are very hardworking. Seeing how clinical trials can truly improve patients' lives and emphasise the value of research is incredibly fulfilling! I'm excited to see what amazing things we can achieve together as a team.

Monika Wood

Data Coordinator

I joined the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield in September 2024 and I am responsible for ensuring that all necessary data from trials is collected, accurately input into the system, and undergoes thorough quality checks for compliance with study protocols, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.

I work closely with our fantastic team of nurses and administrative staff to maintain high standards and support the smooth progress of clinical studies.

It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to research that focuses on improving patients’ lives, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a dedicated and hardworking team.

Sandra Sutton

Administrative Assistant

I initially joined the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Sheffield in 2019 as a Clerical Officer/Receptionist. I left in 2022 to join the Procurement Team within STH and then returned to the CRF in November 2023 to take up the role of Administrative Assistant.

Some of my main responsibilities include putting processes in place to ensure the smooth running of Reception area, coordinating advance rotas between multiple teams and sites, liaising with external and internal agencies to provide courier collections/amendments/bookings, taxi, notes, and reviewing training needs for staff, identifying, and implementing new process based on these service needs.

I love my job, evident in that fact that I came back!! The role is one that is very varied, and fast paced at times, which I thrive on.  I also take pride in making patients feel as comfortable as possible.

Alison Grundy

Receptionist/Clerical Officer

My job requires me to work closely with the nursing and admin teams covering a wide selection of duties including welcoming participants to the department for their appointments and making sure that they are dealt with in a welcoming and timely manner, arranging their taxis if needed to transport them to and from their appointments and request their medical notes if required.

I really do enjoy working within the CRF, coming to work with a team of colleagues who are always working hard to achieve great things.